1927 Lincoln Tire Fitment Guide

1927 Lincoln stood at the upper end of the American luxury market, offering large, dignified automobiles built for smooth road manners, prestige, and long-distance touring in the late brass-to-classic transition period. By this point, Lincoln had established a reputation for refined engineering and substantial coachwork, and tire choice played a visible role in both stance and authenticity. For 1927 Lincoln, one model uses two distinct bias-ply sizes, so the decision is less about choosing between different models and more about understanding whether your car is set up for the antique-style 33X6.75 or the numeric 700-21. Before choosing a tire, confirm the size already fitted to the car and the wheel diameter it requires.

Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1927 Lincoln

Two tire sizes are available for 1927 Lincoln, and both apply to the 8 Cyl. model rather than being split across multiple model lines. The key decision is confirming which wheel and tire size your particular car uses first, since these two bias-ply sizes do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.

33X6.75Antique diameter-by-section

Year(s): 1927Fit(s): 8 Cyl.Construction: Bias PlyRim: 23 in.

33X6.75 is an antique diameter-by-section size in which 33 inches refers to the overall tire diameter and 6.75 inches refers to nominal section width, and it is built as a bias-ply tire. This size is specific to certain 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl. fitments rather than being tied to every possible wheel setup on the year and make. Buyers generally choose a size like this when preserving an early-period appearance and maintaining the tall, substantial profile associated with luxury cars of the era.

Explore 33X6.75 Tires
700-21Numeric bias-ply

Year(s): 1927Fit(s): 8 Cyl.Construction: Bias PlyRim: 21 in

700-21 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.00 represents nominal section width and 21 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Firestone and Michelin offer this size, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles available; listed rim widths range from 3.00 to 4.00 inches, and Firestone versions carry a maximum load rating of 1930 pounds at 40 psi. This size suits owners who want a period-correct bias-ply tire while also choosing among different visual presentations to match the car's restoration style.

Explore 700-21 Tires

1927 Lincoln Models

One model is covered for 1927 Lincoln. Even with a single model line, tire size still matters here because the 8 Cyl. appears with two different fitments rather than one universal size. Select the model below to continue into model-specific fitment history and tire options.

1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl.

The 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl. represented the make's formal luxury touring and town-car character, with the long-wheelbase presence and understated prestige buyers expect from a late-1920s Lincoln. Its tires mount on either 21-inch wheels in 700-21 form or a larger antique-size setup using 33X6.75, so identifying the wheels already on the car is the first step before narrowing the correct tire choice.

Associated Tire Sizes:

  • 33X6.75 — bias-ply, early-period authenticity
  • 700-21 — bias-ply, period-correct restoration
Explore 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Tires →

Best 1927 Lincoln Tires for Sale

Four products are available across two tire sizes for 1927 Lincoln vehicles. The 700-21 size includes four bias-ply products from Firestone and Michelin with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styling, so confirm your size and preferred appearance before selecting.

Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon | 700-21

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT32 lb
MAX LOAD1930@40 psi
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Bias Ply

Michelin Double Rivet | 700-21

Michelin - Double Rivet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH3.00 - 3.75 in
WEIGHT31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Whitewall | 700-21

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT35 lb
MAX LOAD1930@40 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-21

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLDouble-Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT38 lb
MAX LOAD1930@40 psi
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Bias Ply

Lester | 700-21

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT33 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Excelsior Comp H | 700-21

Excelsior - Comp H

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Discontinued

Lester | 4 5/8" Whitewall 700-21 | Discontinued

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER21 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT38 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

These answers focus on the two bias-ply sizes used on 1927 Lincoln, how the antique and numeric sizing systems differ, which sidewall styles are available, and what to check for safe use on a low-mileage collector car.

Size Basics & Fitment

What tire sizes fit 1927 Lincoln vehicles?

1927 Lincoln vehicles in this guide use two tire sizes: 33X6.75 and 700-21, and both apply to the 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl. The 700-21 size mounts on a 21-inch rim, with listed product fitments covering rim widths from 3.00 to 4.00 inches depending on the tire. The 33X6.75 size is also a bias-ply fitment, but it is a different overall tire and wheel combination rather than an interchangeable version of 700-21.

That means a 1927 Lincoln owner should identify the actual size already on the car before moving further into sidewall style or brand selection. On a restored or long-owned car, wheel changes made decades ago are common, so year and make alone are not enough here. Checking the mounted tire size, the wheel diameter, and the wheel width will usually settle the question quickly.

What does 33X6.75 mean on a 1927 Lincoln tire?

On a 1927 Lincoln, 33X6.75 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The first number, 33, is the tire's overall diameter in inches, while 6.75 is the nominal section width. That differs from later numeric sizing because the first number is not the wheel diameter. It is a bias-ply format associated with earlier tire-marking conventions and the tall, full-profile tires seen on premium cars of the 1920s.

That older sizing style matters because it changes how you identify the correct replacement. A buyer who assumes the first number is the rim diameter will end up chasing the wrong fitment. If your 1927 Lincoln carries this size, verify the actual wheel dimensions and compare the tire's mounted proportions carefully, especially if the car has been through multiple restorations or wheel swaps over the years.

What does 700-21 mean on a 1927 Lincoln tire?

On a 1927 Lincoln, 700-21 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 figure refers to nominal section width in inches, and the 21 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is a later-style bias-ply marking that is more familiar to many prewar and classic collectors than the older diameter-by-section system. Available 700-21 tires for 1927 Lincoln include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions from Firestone and blackwall versions from Michelin.

That makes 700-21 easier to compare across brands, but the visual effect can still vary depending on sidewall treatment and the rim width range each tire prefers. If your car is already on 21-inch wheels, 700-21 is the fitment path to explore first. The final choice usually comes down to restoration style, brand preference, and confirming the wheel width against the tire you are considering.

Buying the Right Tire

Should I choose the 33X6.75 or the 700-21 for my 1927 Lincoln?

A 1927 Lincoln owner should choose between 33X6.75 and 700-21 by confirming which wheel and tire setup the car actually uses, not by treating them as two equivalent options. Both are bias-ply tires, so this is not a bias-versus-radial decision. The real difference is that 33X6.75 is an antique diameter-by-section fitment, while 700-21 is a numeric bias-ply size built for a 21-inch rim.

Once the wheel and size are confirmed, the decision becomes much simpler. If the car is already set up for 700-21, you can then choose among blackwall or whitewall appearances from the available products. If it is set up for 33X6.75, staying with that size preserves the intended proportions and avoids forcing a different wheel-and-tire relationship onto the car.

What sidewall styles are available for 1927 Lincoln tires?

1927 Lincoln tires in 700-21 are available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall form. Firestone offers blackwall, 4.25-inch whitewall, and 4.25-inch double-whitewall versions, while Michelin offers a blackwall 700-21 in the Double Rivet series. All of those listed options remain bias-ply tires, so the sidewall style changes the visual presentation more than the basic construction.

For a formal late-1920s luxury car, sidewall style can strongly influence the finished look of the restoration. Blackwall usually reads more understated and earlier in character, while whitewall treatments add visual contrast and a more dressy presentation. The best choice depends on how your 1927 Lincoln is restored, the era image you want, and the standards of any club or show field where originality is judged.

What brands make tires for 1927 Lincoln vehicles?

Firestone and Michelin both offer 700-21 tires for 1927 Lincoln vehicles. Firestone's listed options are in the Balloon series, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, while Michelin's listing is a blackwall Double Rivet. All of these are bias-ply products sized for a 21-inch wheel.

Brand choice on a car like a 1927 Lincoln often comes down to the look you want and how closely you are trying to match a period presentation. Firestone gives the broadest sidewall-style range in the listed 700-21 offerings, while Michelin provides an alternative brand character in the same size. If visual authenticity is a priority, compare the sidewall treatment first, then confirm the wheel-width fit range.

Fitting & Setup

What rim width do 1927 Lincoln tires require?

1927 Lincoln tires in 700-21 have listed rim-width requirements that vary by product. Firestone Balloon versions are specified for 3.75- to 4.00-inch rims, while the Michelin Double Rivet 700-21 is specified for 3.00- to 3.75-inch rims. All of those products fit a 21-inch wheel diameter, but they do not share the exact same preferred rim-width range.

That difference matters when a 1927 Lincoln still carries original wheels or older restored wheels that may fall near one edge of the accepted range. Before selecting a specific 700-21 tire, measure the wheel width and compare it to the tire's stated fit range rather than assuming every tire in the same nominal size behaves the same way. That extra step helps preserve proper shape and appearance.

Can the original 1927 Lincoln wheels be used with both tire sizes?

Original 1927 Lincoln wheels cannot be assumed to work with both listed tire sizes, because 33X6.75 and 700-21 do not share the same wheel-diameter format. The 700-21 size requires a 21-inch rim, while 33X6.75 is a different antique-size fitment entirely. Even though both are bias-ply tires, they are not simply two cosmetic variations for the same wheel.

That means the safest approach is to treat the wheels already on the car as the starting point. Measure the rim diameter, inspect any existing size markings, and compare the wheel width to the intended tire. On a nearly century-old Lincoln, assumptions based on year and model alone can lead you in the wrong direction if the car has had replacement wheels or a long-ago restoration.

Maintenance, Storage & Longevity

How should I store a 1927 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?

A 1927 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Bias-ply tires also benefit from keeping the car on a clean surface and from being moved periodically to avoid prolonged flat-spotting in one position. Moisture control matters as much as temperature on a collector car of this age.

If the car will sit for a long season, slightly reducing the load on the tires with stands placed correctly under the chassis can help, provided the suspension is supported safely. Owners who prefer to leave the full weight on the tires should check inflation regularly and roll the car a short distance from time to time. Those habits help the tires keep their shape and their appearance.

How long do tires on a 1927 Lincoln typically last?

Tires on a 1927 Lincoln are usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A collector car can have tires that look barely used but are still aging internally, so a five- to seven-year evaluation cycle is a sensible rule, with replacement becoming a serious consideration as tires approach ten years from the date code. That guideline applies even when tread wear appears minimal.

The practical lesson is to inspect the calendar age as carefully as the visible rubber. Sidewall cracking, hardening, persistent air loss, or changes in ride feel can all matter more than odometer miles on a low-use Lincoln. If the car is driven only to shows or occasional tours, age-based replacement planning is the safer approach than waiting for tread wear to tell the story.

How often should tires on a 1927 Lincoln be inspected?

Tires on a 1927 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look closely for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure while parked. On an older luxury car that may sit for stretches, the condition of the spare deserves the same attention as the four road tires.

A brief pre-drive inspection is one of the easiest ways to avoid roadside trouble on a prewar car. Pay special attention after seasonal storage, after driving on rough roads, or after a long event day where heat cycles can reveal weak points. Catching small issues early helps preserve both the tires and the confidence to use the car as intended.

Restoration & Authenticity

What tires were originally fitted to the 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?

A 1927 Lincoln 8 Cyl. would have been fitted with bias-ply tires in period, not modern radial construction. Within this guide, the relevant fitments are 33X6.75 and 700-21, both of which are bias-ply sizes appropriate to the era's tire technology. Original-equipment branding could vary by market, body style, and delivery history, so construction type and size are the most dependable starting points for authenticity.

For a restoration-minded owner, that means the first objective is matching the car to the correct size and period-appropriate casing style. Sidewall treatment can then refine the final presentation depending on how the car is being restored. If you are preparing a high-level judged car, compare your chassis and body history with marque-club resources before finalizing the exact look.

Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1927 Lincoln?

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1927 Lincoln, especially in concours or marque-specific judging where overall period presentation is part of the car's score. Size, construction type, and sidewall appearance all affect whether the car looks right for its year and class. A mismatch in profile, wheel diameter, or sidewall style can stand out quickly on a formal late-1920s luxury automobile.

That does not mean every event applies the same standard, but it does mean tire choice should be made with the show's expectations in mind. Drivers' events may be more flexible, while authenticity-focused shows can be far stricter about visual correctness. If awards matter, confirm the accepted size and appearance with the host club or judging manual before the car reaches the field.

What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and Michelin Double Rivet for the 1927 Lincoln?

For a 1927 Lincoln in 700-21, Firestone Balloon and Michelin Double Rivet differ in sidewall options, rim-width fit range, and listed weight. Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall, 4.25-inch whitewall, and 4.25-inch double-whitewall forms, each fitting 3.75- to 4.00-inch rims, with listed weights of 32, 35, and 38 pounds depending on style. Michelin Double Rivet is listed as a blackwall only, fitting 3.00- to 3.75-inch rims, with a listed weight of 31 pounds.

Those differences make the choice partly visual and partly wheel-dependent. A car needing a whitewall presentation naturally points toward Firestone, while a narrower wheel fit range may point toward Michelin if the wheel measures accordingly. On a 1927 Lincoln, the final decision should balance restoration appearance with actual wheel dimensions rather than relying on brand name alone.

Safety & Road Use

Are 1927 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?

1927 Lincoln tires can be used on modern roads when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and matched to the car's wheel setup, but they remain bias-ply tires designed for an automobile from a very different era. No speed-rating markings are listed for the available products here, so condition, inflation, wheel compatibility, and the mechanical state of the car are especially important. On a late-1920s Lincoln, brakes, steering, suspension, and road crown sensitivity can influence highway comfort as much as tire choice does.

The practical approach is to drive within the limits of the tire, the road, and the car itself rather than treating a restored prewar luxury car like a modern sedan. A careful test drive after installation, followed by a recheck of pressure and overall feel, is worthwhile before any sustained higher-speed trip. Balanced expectations are part of safe enjoyment with a 1927 Lincoln.

What inflation pressure should I use for 1927 Lincoln tires?

Inflation pressure for 1927 Lincoln tires should start with the factory vehicle recommendation for the exact size and wheel setup, then be checked against the tire maker's stated limits for the specific product. Among the listed 700-21 Firestone products, the published maximum load figure is 1930 pounds at 40 psi. That is a load-and-pressure ceiling for the tire, not a universal instruction to run every 1927 Lincoln tire at 40 psi all the time.

The right pressure depends on the actual tire size fitted, the wheel, and how the car is being used. A wise approach is to confirm the owner's-manual recommendation or a trusted Lincoln reference first, then make sure the chosen tire is being used within its rated pressure and load limits. Avoid borrowing a pressure figure from one size and applying it to the other.

What should I check before taking a 1927 Lincoln on a longer drive?

Before a longer drive in a 1927 Lincoln, inspect each tire for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is usable as well. On a car of this age, you should also confirm that valve stems are sound, wheel fasteners are secure, and the tires are seated properly on the rims. Tire readiness is only one part of the larger pre-drive check a prewar car deserves.

A longer outing is easier and more enjoyable when the tire check is paired with a quick review of brakes, steering play, wheel bearings, and fluid levels. Collector cars often reveal small issues only after sitting or after the first few miles of use. Taking ten extra minutes in the garage is far better than discovering a preventable problem once the 1927 Lincoln is well away from home.